Cooperatives, as successful models of socially responsible enterprises, are being increasingly frequent examined in scientific studies. The successful international experience of cooperatives, proved them more resistant to the effects of the economic crisis, thus arousing the interest of researchers towards them. Interest was increased by the actions taken under the auspices of the United Nations, in 2012, during the International Year of Cooperatives. In Moldova, due to the progressing economic and financial crisis, the cooperative model remains unconvincing and uncertain, with a failing and impaired image. Our studies have focused on the inclusion of young people – students, masters and doctors of the Trade Co-operative University of Moldova and on researches on the revitalization of cooperative, including the role of social responsibility practices in this process. The results of our research reveal the evolution of society's perception of the image and social mission of local cooperatives, and demonstrate the necessity to develop university research with a broader inclusion of young people in this process, through the opening of new opportunities for implementing innovative visions of young specialists in the elaboration of solutions that would contribute to the redesign and remodelling of cooperatives - as socially responsible companies, that could compete on national and international markets.